Do You Need Dental Insurance if You Already Have Health Insurance?

Many people assume that their health insurance covers dental care. In most cases, it does not. Health insurance and dental insurance are separate products that cover different types of care.

Here is why the gap exists and how to decide whether dental coverage is right for you.

Why Health Insurance Does Not Cover Dental

Historically, medical and dental care developed as separate industries with separate training, providers, and insurance systems. While the ACA requires marketplace plans to cover pediatric dental for children under 19, adult dental care is not considered an essential health benefit under most health plans.

That means routine dental care — cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions — is your responsibility unless you have separate dental coverage or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental.

The Cost of Going Without

Without dental insurance, common costs include:

• Routine cleaning and exam: $150–$350
• Filling: $150–$400
• Root canal: $700–$1,500
• Crown: $800–$1,500
• Extraction: $150–$650

Two cleanings and an exam per year can cost $300–$500 — often more than a full year of dental insurance premiums.

• Health insurance typically does not cover routine dental care for adults.
• Dental costs can add up quickly without coverage, especially for restorative work.
• Dental insurance premiums are usually affordable — often paying for themselves with preventive care alone.

When Dental Insurance Makes Sense

Dental insurance is most valuable if:

• You visit the dentist at least once a year
• You need ongoing dental work (fillings, crowns, periodontal treatment)
• You want predictable costs for preventive care
• You do not have dental coverage through an employer or Medicare Advantage plan

When It May Not Be Necessary

Dental insurance may be less useful if:

• You have excellent oral health and rarely need care beyond an annual checkup
• Your Medicare Advantage plan already includes dental benefits
• You prefer to pay out of pocket and costs are manageable

Related Reading

Since most medical plans exclude routine dental care, how dental insurance works covers what a standalone plan actually does, and what to compare in a dental insurance plan covers annual maximums and waiting periods. See our dental insurance page for coverage options.

Summit Benefits Group compares dental plan options for Kentucky residents and helps you decide whether adding dental coverage makes financial sense for your situation.